Key Takeaways
- Global financial exchanges, including pioneers like the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq (NDAQ), and Cboe Global Markets (CBOE), are actively pursuing regulatory approval to extend trading hours, with some aiming for near 24/7 operations.
- The push for round-the-clock trading is primarily driven by the significant rise in smartphone-based trading by retail investors, who frequently engage with markets outside traditional hours.
- Former President Donald Trump has offered his perspective on the qualifications for the next Federal Reserve Chair, emphasizing the need for a "smart person with common sense" and reiterating his past criticisms of economists.
The Dawn of 24/7 Trading?
Major financial exchanges worldwide are on the cusp of a significant shift, considering and actively pursuing extended trading hours, with some even exploring a 24/7 model. This move is largely a response to the burgeoning trend of retail investors trading via smartphones outside conventional market times. The increased accessibility and global nature of modern investing are compelling exchanges to adapt their operational frameworks.
Pioneering institutions such as the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq (NDAQ), and Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) have already applied for or announced plans for regulatory approval to offer expanded or round-the-clock trading. For instance, Nasdaq plans to launch 24-hour trading five days a week starting in the second half of 2026, aiming to enhance access for traders across different time zones. Cboe Global Markets announced plans in February 2025 to offer 24×5 trading for U.S. equities on its Cboe EDGX Equities Exchange, driven by global customer demand, particularly from Asia Pacific markets.
This expansion promises to make markets more attractive to global investors, potentially opening new liquidity pools and allowing participants to react to macroeconomic events as they unfold. However, the transition to extended trading hours also brings challenges, including the need for enhanced compliance and surveillance systems to manage potential volatility during periods of lower liquidity.
Trump's Take on the Fed's Future
In other financial news, former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the critical appointment of the next Federal Reserve Chair. He stated that "many want the job" and emphasized that what is truly needed is "a smart person with common sense."
Trump also took the opportunity to reiterate his past stance, claiming, "I was right, economists were wrong." His comments underscore the ongoing political interest in the leadership of the U.S. central bank, a position that significantly influences monetary policy and, consequently, global financial markets.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.